Seasonal trends of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances in river water affected by fire training sites and wastewater treatment plants

• Published in: Chemosphere (Oxford) 2022-12, Vol.308, p.136467-136467, Article 136467
• Main Authors: Nguyen, Minh A., Norström, Karin, Wiberg, Karin, Gustavsson, Jakob, Josefsson, Sarah, Ahrens, Lutz
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Environmental Sciences; Fire-fighting training areas; Mass loads; Miljövetenskap; PFAS; Seasonal trend; Transport process; Wastewater treatment plants
• ISSN: 0045-6535; 1879-1298; 1879-1298
• DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.136467

Fire-fighting training areas and wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are potential sources of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) to the nearby aquatic environment. This study investigated seasonal variations of PFAS levels in two river catchments in Sweden; one impacted by Stockholm Arlanda Airport (Sites 1 and 2), and the other by WWTPs and a military airport (Uppsala) (Sites 3 and 4). ƩPFAS concentrations were up to 61 (Sites 1 and 2) and 4 (Sites 3 and 4) times higher compared to the reference site. Distinct different seasonal trends were observed in the two catchments with higher ∑PFAS concentrations during the high water flow season at Site 1 compared to the low water flow season, whereas Sites 3 and 4 showed an inverse seasonal trend. This demonstrates that the pollution is mobilized during periods of high flow in the first catchment (Stockholm Arlanda Airport), while it is diluted during high flow in the second catchment (Uppsala). Average annual loads for ∑PFASs were estimated at ∼5.2 and ∼3.7 kg yr−1 for the catchment in Uppsala and Stockholm Arlanda Airport, respectively. Thus, both catchments add PFASs to Lake Mälaren, which is Sweden's most important source area for drinking water production. [Display omitted] •PFAS levels were impacted by WWTPs and airports in two river catchments.•PFAS concentrations were significantly correlated to TOC at two sites.•Seasonal trends of PFASs were impacted by mobilization/dilution processes.•Average loads of PFASs to Lake Mälaren were dominated by PFHxS and PFOS.